Autumn Actions
Normally at this time of year I write an article about the value of vaccination and encourage patients to come for their Flu vaccine. As a result of the pandemic, I no longer feel the need to explain the enormous value of vaccines. However, I do need to double down on my plea for everyone eligible to have two vaccines this autumn.
The Flu vaccine is probably more important than it has been for many years. We have experienced very little influenza in the last 2 years and this means we lack some of our inherent immunity. The strategy in the pandemic was all about protecting hospitals so that they were able to admit those who were seriously ill with Covid as well as sick patients with other conditions. At the moment our hospitals find themselves under immense pressure with a reduction in the number of beds available, ambulances having difficulties getting patients in, and community health and social care services facing problems getting them out. These pressures are currently most evident in West Devon however it would not take much to tip the balance in the East. Another Covid variant and/or an outbreak of flu presents a very serious risk. Hospitals would be under pressure greater than that seen during the pandemic. Be in no doubt, the health service faces a winter of trepidation. On the plus side some of the protective behaviours we learnt have become ingrained. We distance ourselves in queues and when we have upper respiratory infections, we are much better at reducing the risks of onward transmission.
Covid boosters and this year’s Flu vaccine will be offered from the surgery, initially to those over 65 years old and those with chronic disease. When these are complete, those over 50 years old will be invited. We will be calling patients in cohorts via text and email (with letters to those who use neither of these). All eligible patients will need to come twice. It will not matter in which order you have the vaccines; it just matters that you have both. It is likely that our first Flu clinic will be at the end of September and that Covid clinics will run regularly on Wednesday afternoons. We are, however, dependent on when central supplies are delivered.
So, three important actions for this Autumn. One, get a flu vaccine – those eligible from the surgery, and others from a pharmacy. Two, come when called for your Covid booster and three, please ensure the surgery has your up-to-date contact details.
Anthony O’Brien
Wyndham House Surgery